Hank Willemsma

Originally from Las Cruces, N.M., Willemsma has spent his life on the ranch, starting from the ground up as seasonal labor for various operations including Padlock Ranch and Swenson Land and Cattle. Willemsma graduated from New Mexico State University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in agri-business.

Willemsma comes to the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM) master’s program from Tiemann Land and Cattle in Pflugerville, Texas, where he managed the stocker yearling and cow-calf operation since October of 2012. In this position, he also managed the cowboy crew, developed animal health protocols in coordination with a consulting veterinarian, oversaw equipment maintenance, and monitored nutrition and shipping arrangements.

Willemsma also owns and operates Oxbow Land and Livestock in Marlin, Texas, which he started in 2013 while managing Tiemann Land and Cattle. Along with his wife Winona, they raise commercial cattle and Blue Valentine ranch horses as part of Oxbow Land and Livestock.

He believes his experiences as owner of Oxbow Land and Livestock, and his work addressing concerns and striving to achieve productive solutions for Tiemann Land and Cattle will help him succeed in the KRIRM master’s program.